Poppymill has submitted a proposal for a phased development at Hook Park, covering 50 acres between the A3 Kingston Bypass and Clayton Road.
The plan includes demolishing existing structures and building over 2,000 homes, with 50 per cent designated as affordable. The development will feature a mix of housing options, including larger family homes, accommodations for first-time buyers, key workers, and older residents. Additionally, the proposal includes non-residential uses, open spaces, and infrastructure, with a new central park and pedestrian and cycle routes. The park, spanning over 20 acres, will be created in the first phase and gifted to the community.
The site makes a weak contribution to Green Belt purposes and has been identified as suitable for redevelopment. The proposals replace degraded land with a new public park and accessible open space.
Despite the potential benefits, the proposal faces opposition. Sir Ed Davey has expressed concerns that the application does not address local issues and has stated his intention to oppose it. Recent changes to planning laws have compounded opposition.
The Labour Government and the London Mayor are pushing to redesignate some greenbelt land as “greybelt,” weakening protections for sites like Hook Park. This shift in policy requires local councils, including Kingston, to review greenbelt designations, making the outcome of such developments uncertain.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, has also introduced new “call-in” powers, allowing the government to take over planning applications. This adds another layer of complexity to the decision-making process, potentially impacting the outcome of Poppymill’s proposal.
The combination of changed greenbelt protections and increased government strategy to use grey-belt poses significant challenges for opponents of development at Hook Park.
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